Science

Even John James Audubon Couldn't Tell the Difference Between Scaup Ducks
February 22, 2017 — Audubon and his rival, Alexander Wilson, disagreed about the habits of scaup ducks. But that's because they were describing two different birds.
Scientists Enlist Drones to Eavesdrop on Songbirds
February 17, 2017 — Using drones equipped with audio recorders, a team of researchers is testing whether the technology could aid in field surveys.
Researchers Identify the Hormone That Tells Migratory Birds to Stop Eating and Keep Moving
February 17, 2017 — According to a new study, the same hormone that signals to humans we've eaten our fill triggers migrating birds to continue their trek.
In a Hotter World, Desert Birds Will Face a Much Higher Risk of Dehydration
February 13, 2017 — As the climate changes, desert-dwelling birds are going to need more oases than ever to stay cool and hydrated, according to a new study.
Birding Bucket List: See Millions of Short-tailed Shearwaters Amass at Unimak Pass
February 13, 2017 — Every summer, the birds flock in staggering numbers to feast in the food-rich waters around the Aleutian Islands.
How Crossbills and Other Birds Are Rewriting the Rules of Evolution
February 10, 2017 — A possible new crossbill species is the latest example of how genetic research is giving us surprising insights into the ways animals evolve.
How a Kingfisher's Call Concealed an Unknown Species of Frog
February 08, 2017 — In India, a group of herpetologists recently discovered a new amphibian that sounds a lot like a White-throated Kingfisher.
A Beak Boom Millions of Years Ago Created the Diversity of Bird Bills We Know Today
February 02, 2017 — The variety of fantastic bill shapes we know today first came about in a sudden burst, and then slowly evolved over the next 65 million years, according to a new study.
How Lasers Are Revealing Hidden Evolutionary Clues in Ancient Bird Fossils
January 31, 2017 — Using a special lighting technique, researchers have already made several surprising discoveries about one early species of feathered dinosaur.
Uh-Oh: A Little-Known Impact of Climate Change Boosts Mercury in Food Chains
January 27, 2017 — Mercury wreaks havoc on birds—and climate change may make it more common in some coastal food webs, according to a new study.